No subject

*easier*, but more universal. Not every box has a serial input, and
if it does, it seems that control is specific to that type of box, and
even sometimes to that specific cable/satellite provider. So, because
more people have gone the IR Blaster route, it's more documented, and
easier to find parts for.
It would also seem that the emerging new "best of both worlds" is
Firewire, and I think we'll see that as the IR Blaster of 06-07 ;)
Good Luck!
-Chad